Top SmackDown Backstage Rumors: Former WWE Champion set to quit the company; Newcomer being given more creative freedom 'than most'; Reason for The Miz losing push (10th July)

With just a few days left to Horror Show at Extreme Rules, SmackDown will look to give the fans a stellar episode.

On today's edition of the top SmackDown backstage rumors we will take a look at why Vince McMahon is allowing more creative control to a newcomer on SmackDown. Speaking of Vince McMahon, it has been rumored that he is directly responsible for the major push for a SmackDown Superstar.

We will also cover details about the upcoming Swamp Fight between Bray Wyatt and Braun Strowman and much more!

So without further ado, let us jump into the big backstage rumors that could have a major impact on SmackDown:

---

#5 Jeff Hardy being buried on SmackDown as he might leave WWE

Jeff Hardy has been feuding with Sheamus over the past couple of weeks on SmackDown. The feud has been a highly controversial one, as fans and critics have not liked the usage of Jeff Hardy's real-life problems as part of a story.

Each week Sheamus comes out and berates Jeff hardy for being an alcoholic and addict in real-life. Now, while many thought that The Enigma will get his revenge inside the ring, even that did not happen. Sheamus beat Jeff Hardy in their match at Backlash.

As per Tom Colohue, Jeff Hardy is all set to leave WWE once his contract expires and that is the reason behind him being buried on SmackDown.

''The worst part of this whole storyline is that Jeff Hardy is really unlikely to pick up any wins, any actual wins. He's been buried on the way out of the door because they cannot convince him to sign a new contract. He just doesn't seem interested. If they can convince him, they would probably start writing storylines that actually work in his favour, but really right now, this doesn't suit anyone.''

#4 Vince McMahon impressed with SmackDown newcomer Matt Riddle

As per Paul Davis of WrestlingNews.co, Vince McMahon is very happy with Matt Riddle. Apparently it was Vince McMahon's idea to book the SmackDown segment where Matt Riddle reveals why he wrestles barefoot because he loved the story when he heard it backstage.

WrestlingNews.co was told that Vince McMahon loved the story when he first heard it. McMahon loved the story so much that he let Riddle tell it on SmackDown. Riddle is allowed to give more input for his promos than most.

Last week on SmackDown Matt Riddle came out to the ring and explained why he wrestles barefoot. The reason being that as a child he got frostbite and he feels uncomfortable wearing shoes. Now, I usually don't give my opinion while writing this piece, but I fail to see what Vince McMahon liked so much about this story of his.

It is also very surprising that someone like Matt Riddle is being given more leeway with his promos. Though many argue that Riddle has instant charisma, his promo delivery on Smackdown was dragged and boring. Even Baron Corbin outshined him on the mic.

#3 SmackDown Superstar The Miz reveals why his push got canned

SmackDown Superstar, The Miz, was at the height of his career at WrestleMania 27. The Must-See Superstar was involved in a program with The Rock and John Cena while holding the WWE Championship. 10 years later, he can be seen singing 'hey hey ho ho' on SmackDown.

While speaking on the Busted Open radio podcast, The Miz revealed what led to such a drastic change in his position in WWE. The SmackDown Superstar talks about the possible reason why he was never again given a main-event push after he lost the WWE Championship.

Creative changed in the background. I’m talking about people. Whenever you hear about heads leaving and then another head coming in, obviously Vince runs the entire thing, but there are different creative people that are different writers. When you have a head leave and you have another one come in, he will have his guys. When I lost the WWE Championship to John Cena, there was a role shift in the writing process and I saw where I was going. I was going to be used to develop new talent because I was just utilized for the past, I don’t know, year, to get me to where I am. Now it’s time to make other people and I didn’t have the wherewithal to make sure I was being made as well." (h/t WrestlingNews.co)

#2 Vince McMahon responsible for Otis' push on SmackDown

Otis has been on a high this year. First, he started dating Mandy Rose, then won his WrestleMania match against Dolph Ziggler, and the SmackDown Superstar also became Mr. Money in the Bank by winning the first-ever corporate MITB ladder match.

As per a report from Fightful, Otis is a Vince McMahon project and The Boss is himself behind Otis becoming a major player on SmackDown. Here is what Cagesideseats reported:

Fightful is the latest site to report the boss is responsible for Otis’ push. The site’s sources say the Money in the Bank winner is a “total Vince McMahon project.” Both members of Heavy Machinery have made “positive impressions” backstage.

Otis is very well-liked by the audience and his story with Ziggler and Rose turned him into one of the most popular babyfaces on SmackDown. Even though Otis might not have the perfect look, his uniqueness is what might help him climb the ladder of success.

Although Vince McMahon is backing Otis for now, I do feel he is just the flavor of the month and his push might not be sustainable for the long-run.

#1 Details on SmackDown's Braun Strowman and Bray Wyatt's Swamp Fight

SmackDown Superstar, and the current Universal Champion Braun Strowman, will be taking on his former mentor in a 'Swamp Fight' (whatever that means!) at Extreme Rules: The Horror Show.

Bray Wyatt returned to SmackDown a few weeks back in his 'cult leader' persona. This was the gimmick Wyatt had when he was leading the Wyatt Family with Strowman as a member.

WWE have done a compelling job so far with the cinematic matches so it will be interesting to see what the Swamp Fight will bring for the fans. As per WrestlingInc, big things are in store for the match and WWE is leaving no stone unturned to make it a big deal.

Here is what Cagesideseats have stated:

According to Wrestling Inc, stunt coordinator Ellis Edwards is being brought in for the Swamp Fight between Bray Wyatt and Braun Strowman. That match will apparently be taped next week.

There have been reports saying that WWE is contemplating getting the title off Braun Strowman. Former Universal Champion Bray Wyatt would be the perfect person to become the new Champion.